Page 38 of The Accidental Christmas Match Up

Epilogue – One Christmas Season Later

Tara straightened her back and lifted her chin as the photographer had asked. He wanted the lines of her brocade beaded gown to be perfect. Next to her, Luke stood tall and debonair in his suit, looking serious. Apparently, the photographer was going for the GQ look.

“Fierce, darling. I want fierce,” she whispered in Luke’s ear, using her best British accent.

Her husband lost his battle with his poker face and turned to hide his laugh against her neck as the camera flashed about a hundred times. Now those might be pictures she’d want to hang on their walls.

Another hour or two and they could ditch these duds and go back to living the life of newlyweds. Her mother about had a heart attack upon hearing they had eloped in Hawaii several weeks ago, rather than suffering the long months of planning an elaborate wedding. This Christmas reception was their apology gift to her, and Tara’s mother had made the most of it. White tree branches were twisted in elaborate shapes and covered in lights and lanterns. The tables were decorated with baskets of nuts and berries and flowers, like a forest feast. Tara imagined it was the sort of reception Snow White might have had when she married her prince.

“Okay, now I want Luke to get down on one knee and take your left hand,” the photographer called out. “Show me how much you adore your bride.”

“I’m doubting this photographer knows what adoration looks like,” Luke said out of one side of his mouth.

“You can show me later,” Tara said with a little wink.

“Will do.” He lifted Tara’s hand and kissed it before bending on one knee, looking up at her solemnly. “Your aunt is laughing at us.” His eyes dared her to look over and see if he was right.

Tara didn’t doubt it. Last she checked, Aunt Sandy was with Bob somewhere across the enchanted forest, the two of them eating all the delicious things Tara hadn’t had time to try yet.

Personally, Tara preferred a more natural approach to taking pictures, but she already had her sun-kissed photos of the two of them running through the sand together and playing at the edge of the waves in Maui. She’d been wearing a dress much lighter and shorter than this one, especially considering the elaborate train that currently flared out behind her.

Ten poses later, and they were free, at least from the photographer. Heston and Sarah came over with glasses of punch for them, which Tara and Luke took gratefully. Sarah buttoned Tara’s train back up while Tara parched her thirst.

“Your present from us is on your doorstep. Don’t trip on it in your rush to get inside,” Sarah said with a wink.

“Ha, ha, very funny.” Tara leaned against Luke’s side. “Thanks for the heads up. And the punch. And thank you for coming all this way. I know it’s a long drive.”

Heston shrugged. “Hallie gets to spend the night at her grandparents’ house tonight. I’m not sure who was more excited—her or us. But yeah, we’re heading out of here, because we can.” He took Sarah’s hand, and they gloated all the way out the door, literally running the last little bit in their giddiness to have a night to themselves.

Luke looked over at Tara and smiled, shaking his head. “Are you concerned at all about what they got us and why they left it on our doorstep?”

“Well, I wasn’t until you said something.” Tara thought for a minute. “Maybe it’s just really tall or heavy. My guess is it’s a coat stand.”

“That’s very diplomatic of you. I’ll say it’s a rose bush. Just so Sarah can ‘accidentally’ kill it. Or maybe a set of lawn gnomes because Heston knows they creep me out.”

“I didn’t know that about you.” Tara tried not to smile too big. “If it’s a set of lawn gnomes, I’ll protect you, don’t worry.”

“That’s very reassuring, missy.”

They speculated on and off while they thanked guests for coming and occasionally snuck in dances.

At the end of the night, Tara and Luke hugged each of their parents and headed off in the limo her mom and dad had ordered for them. She had tried to tell them she didn’t need any of this, but it was their way of showing how delighted they were that she finally got her happy ending.

And she had to admit once she and Luke were curled up together in the limo, it was nice to not have to drive home.

Luke gently shook her awake and helped her with her coat when the limo pulled up to their house. Together, they jogged up to the door, staring down at the large box on the mat with a big red bow on top.

“Any last guesses?” Tara asked.

Luke picked it up and carried it inside. “I can confirm it’s not a boulder.” They both naturally gravitated to the couch, where their favorite blanket was draped over the back. Tara collapsed into the cushions, dress and all. She’d have Luke help her get it off in a minute. He’d be an eager volunteer until he realized how many tiny pearl buttons that involved. Poor man.

Luke sat down with her and pulled out the card, reading aloud to Tara.

“Dear Luke and Tara,

We can’t wait to share all the neighborhood traditions with you, beginning with this one. Start popping out the munchkins so they can join in the fun.”

Tara laughed and opened the box. A shiny red wagon was inside.

**♥**